American Balalaika SymphonyPresented by StrathmoreSaturday, January 16, 2010 at 8:00 PMMusic Center at Strathmore

Peter Trofimenko, conductor & artistic director

Discover the uniquely beautiful sound of this orchestra, selected as a winner of the 25th anniversary “Great Strathmore Giveaway.” Embodying a tradition that dates back to 19th-century Russia, they replace the customary bowed strings of the violin family with plucked balalaikas and domras, producing a shimmering sound augmented by full wind and percussion sections and such unusual instruments as the bayan (Russian button accordion) and the gusli (large horizontal table harp).

Listen and Learn! Free post-concert discussion with Peter Trofimenko and musicians, led by Strathmore President & CEO Eliot Pfanstiehl.

METRO CLOSURE Please note, if you plan to take Metro trains to the performance, the Grosvenor-Strathmore rail station will be closed on this day. Metro will operate free shuttle buses between the White Flint, Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center Metrorail stations, but patrons will need to expect up to 40 minute delays. The Metro Garage at the station will remain OPEN. Learn More on Metro's Website